Author: Opalim Lifted

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports misrepresenting comments by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, on terrorism in Borno and Yobe states, insisting his remarks were taken out of context. In a statement issued on Friday, the DHQ said the online report falsely suggested that the CDS accused residents of the two states of supporting terrorism. According to the military, no such generalisation was made. Instead, Oluyede stressed the importance of community partnership in tackling insurgency, noting that the fight against terrorism requires collective effort. “The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone. It…

Iran has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will end on Friday, with the Eid al-Fitr celebration set to begin the following day. The announcement was made on state television by the office of Mojtaba Khamenei, confirming that Friday will mark the 30th day of fasting. “After lunar observations, tomorrow, Friday, will be the 30th day of the blessed month of Ramadan, followed by the Eid al-Fitr holiday,” the statement said. The decision was echoed in neighbouring Iraq, where leading Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani also confirmed the same timeline. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspected gunrunner, Kelvin Dugo, in Cross River State, intercepting a large cache of ammunition in a targeted operation. Dugo was apprehended at Ivara Esu Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area following intelligence that he planned to acquire a significant quantity of ammunition. Security sources said the suspect had arranged to purchase 832 rounds of live ammunition from another alleged gunrunner, Azenda Barnabas, also known as Jagaban, based in Benue State. According to findings, DSS operatives moved in swiftly and intercepted Dugo shortly after he received the consignment, which had been cleverly…

Skipper John McGinn and Leon Bailey fired Aston Villa into the Europa League quarter-finals with a composed victory over Lille. The Scotland international set up a match against Bologna in the last eight as Aston Villa won 3-0 on aggregate. The Italians edged out Serie A rivals Roma in extra time, winning 4-3 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate. Unai Emery – a four-time Europa League winner – is a step closer to ending Villa’s 30-year trophy drought, which would also earn the club a return to the Champions League. It was an ultimately forgettable game which suited Villa…

Former Liberian president and football legend George Weah has strongly criticised the decision by Confederation of African Football to withdraw the AFCON 2025 title from Senegal and award it to Morocco. In a statement on Facebook, Weah argued that the outcome of the final match should stand, stressing that football decisions must be determined on the pitch, not in committee rooms. Referee authority must be final Weah anchored his argument on the Laws of the Game, particularly Law 5, which grants referees full authority over match decisions. According to him, once a match is completed under the referee’s supervision, the…

An outbreak of Meningitis is raising fresh concerns across northern parts of Nigeria, with health authorities urging vigilance as cases rise. Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can spread quickly, especially in overcrowded areas, and can become life-threatening if not treated early. Why cases are rising Northern Nigeria lies within Africa’s “meningitis belt,” a region prone to seasonal outbreaks, particularly during the dry season when dust levels are high and humidity is low. These conditions make it easier for the infection to spread. Health experts warn that…

A new study has found that cannabis is not an effective treatment for most mental disorders, challenging growing claims around its medical benefits. Researchers reviewed existing scientific evidence on cannabis use across a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Their findings showed little to no consistent proof that cannabis significantly improves symptoms in most cases. Instead, the study warns that cannabis use may worsen certain conditions, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Experts noted that while some patients report short-term relief, the long-term effects remain unclear and could be harmful. The researchers stressed that current evidence…

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi has visited former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja following his recent release from custody. The visit comes amid growing political and legal tensions surrounding Malami, who has remained in the spotlight since regaining his freedom. Obi’s Visit Signals Political Interest Obi’s visit to Malami in Abuja has sparked fresh political conversations, with observers interpreting the move as a sign of solidarity and possible alignment amid ongoing developments. Although details of their meeting were not officially disclosed, the visit is seen as significant given both figures’ influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.…

Top military commanders have arrived in Maiduguri following deadly bomb attacks, in what authorities describe as a swift response to a directive from President Bola Tinubu. The deployment comes days after coordinated explosions rocked parts of the Borno State capital, leaving dozens dead and many others injured. The attacks targeted crowded civilian areas, heightening fresh concerns about security in north-east. According to officials, the service chiefs were dispatched to assess the situation on ground and coordinate intensified military operations aimed at preventing further attacks. Their visit is also expected to boost troop morale and reassure residents amid rising anxiety. Security…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to raise human rights concerns with Bola Tinubu during any official engagement with Nigeria. In a statement, SERAP urged the British monarch to use his diplomatic influence to address alleged rights violations and governance issues under Tinubu’s administration. The organisation stressed that respect for human rights remains essential to Nigeria’s democratic credibility and international reputation. SERAP argued that the United Kingdom maintains strong historical and diplomatic ties with Nigeria, placing King Charles in a unique position to advocate for accountability, rule of law, and protection of civil…